Union Berlin are out of the Europa League after losing 5-3 on aggregate to Belgian newbies Royale Union Saint Gilloise in the round of 16.
The player who caused the maximum damage to the Iron Ones’ European dreams was Nigerian forward Victor Boniface.
Boniface scored twice – including a long-range beauty – to help the Royale USG seal an impressive 3-3 draw in the first leg in Germany.
Boniface was named the Europa League Player of the Week on the back of that exceptional display.
The Super Eagles hopeful then claimed an assist to power the Belgian side to a 2-0 victory in the return leg to secure a quarterfinal spot for the first time in the club’s history.
While Boniface will certainly not be the favourite of any Union Berlin fan right now, there is a possibility that the club could move for the striker in the summer.
Union Berlin has reportedly been closely monitoring Nigerian forward Victor Boniface since his time with Bodo/Glimt in Norway.
And there are claims from Berlin that Boniface’s recent performance against Union has further piqued the interest of the Iron One’s scouts.
Union Berlin’s need for a strong attacking presence is no secret, and Boniface, with his impressive technical skills and powerful shot, could be just the player they need to fill that gap.
The 22-year-old will, however, not leave Royale USG on the cheap. Les Unionistes got him for only €2 million in August, but his market value is already double that figure.
Interested clubs will likely need even to double that amount to convince Royale USG to part with their prized asset.
Boniface and Union SG have been drawn to face another German foe, Bayer Leverkusen, in the quarterfinals of the Europa League, with the first leg to be played at the BayerArena on April 13.